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Swans shot with crossbow

Two swans have been attacked on the River Stour in Dorset. One male and one female were shot by a crossbow - the female was found dead in the water, while the male was rescued by Dorset fire and rescue, and the RSPCA.

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A male swan has been released back on to the River Stour in Dorset after recovering from a crossbow attack which killed its mate.

The RSPCA has described the incident at Throop Mill near Bournemouth as despicable, mindless cruelty. It's using forensic testing of the recovered bolts to try to trace whoever fired them. Martin Dowse's report includes an interview with Graham Hammond from the RSPCA.

Swans have been attacked on the River Stour in Dorset. One male and one female were shot by a crossbow - the female was found dead in the water, while the male was rescued by Dorset fire and rescue, and the RSPCA.

RSPCA officers rescued the male swan, but the female was found dead Credit: RSPCA